The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has upheld a ruling that allows the European Union to ban seal fur imports on moral grounds. Canada fought desperately to have the ban repealed, but the WTO affirmed that nations have the right to reject seal products which they find morally reprehensible.

After a whole load of deaths (though clearly not my own) and other unhappy endings in 2012, I came to realise that I could worry all I like - my anxiety will rarely prevent the bad times but will likely inhibit the good.

When I last met Seal he asked for my phone number as we concluded the interview. He never called, but given he met Heidi Klum shortly afterwards, I can hardly blame him. For languid-limbed supermodel has more of a ring to it than 5'3" redhead.

2012 brings with it London 2012, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Celebrity Big Brother season two and a number of casualties in the celebrity relationship department. As if Katy Perry and Russell Brand's break up wasn't enough, two more couples have hit headlines recently amid rumours that they have split.